Arnold Aljets

Arnold "Arnie" Milton Aljets, 77, met his Savior face to face on January 23rd, 2026, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Though our grief is great, our hope is greater knowing that he is in Glory, where we will one day see him again. Arnie wrote in his journal in 2009: "Psalm 116:15 - 'Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.' What a time to be remembered by God. What a comfort to know that God is there. Maybe this is precious because we're now with God. Just a thought." And now that faith is made sight. What joy!

Arnie was born on May 31st, 1948, in Carrington, ND, to Lyle Philip Aljets and Thelma Lovise (Krogen) Aljets. He moved to Washington and graduated from Cascade High School in 1966. As soon as he turned 18, he enlisted in the US Army and headed out for his first of two tours in Vietnam, where he was a member of the 8th Battalion 4th Artillery, then the 2nd Battalion 94th Artillery, and finally the 1st Aviation Brigade, 192nd Assault Helicopter Company in which he was a helicopter doorgunner. Following his military service, he attended Everett Community College, and then Washington State University where he met his future wife, Ann Louise Kennedy. After graduating, he moved back to Everett, WA, where he married Ann on July 23rd, 1977, and was hired with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. He dedicated 32 years as a deputy sheriff where he served with his whole heart, forming deep friendships with many there and demonstrating humility and respect towards those he encountered in the line of duty. Throughout these years, he and Ann raised their four children, whom he made a point of getting to know individually despite working long hours and numerous off-duty jobs. Out of the many memories of their father, the children's best memories are from their Seattle Christmas dates, where Arnie would turn off the radio in the car so the children could talk uninhibited, and he would spend the entire day with them, one-on-one.

Arnie is survived by his loving wife and best buddy of 48 years, Ann, whom he loved "to the journey's end". He is also survived by their four devoted children: Rachael (Steve), Joshua (Erica), Kristin, and Adam (Charlotte), as well as 16 adoring grandchildren: Everly, Grace, Asher, Elias, Annie, Audrey, Henry, Noel, Rose, Violet, Sally, Shepherd, Olive, Elsie, Wells, and June. He also leaves behind his three siblings: Gary, Larry, and Sue.

Arnie will be remembered for his sacrificial love for his family, his gentleness with his grandchildren, his generous spirit, and his unique sense of humor. He will also be remembered for his humility and strength as he developed a deeper affection later in life for the God who called him by name. We are thankful for the example of his faith, growth, and rest in God's grace.

A memorial service will be held at 10am on February 14th at Lynnwood Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

Livestream: https://www.lynnwoodopc.org/live-stream

In lieu of flowers, Arnie's family welcomes donations to Concerns of Police Survivors at https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org